Started life as a humble 1996 Chagall blue 5 door, 1.4 ABD engine with 56k original miles, one owner from new. As the title suggests, this is going to be lightly restored as a U.S spec Harlequin replica, with a 2.0 16v ABF, and some subtle period mods, built by a nerd. If you like the sound of all that, then please stick around. U.S bumpers test fitted Donor engine (1997 GTI, crash damaged insurance write-off... I'm not a monster) Original rear beam with drum brakes being removed My donor car had been rear ended so I chose to source and restore another axle to be safe. Some surface rust which will be treated. Pics to follow. The rest of the floor seems to be solid, but brake lines will be replaced to be safe. GTI rear axle stripped and surface rust ground away, ready for polybushes and repainting. Arches cleaned and new rear struts fitted. Next update will be refitting the restored axle and brakes.
Axle is now refurbed and refitted, along with a couple of extra bits Replaced the fuel filter and cracked housing Also treated and painted tank straps and exhaust hangers Axle refitted New backplates and stub axles New exhaust fitted Next update will be finishing the brakes, and starting work on the front end.
Welcome to the Forum! Where did you source your rear beam mounting bolts from? The gold ones that hold the brackets to the car
Nice project, are you sourcing already painted panels or are you just planning to get yours painted? What wheels do you plan on having?
Thanks bud, Using original panels where possible except US bumpers and tailgate and a GTI 2 slot grille. The bodyshell will have localised paint repairs but will remain the same colour as it is already a correct Harlequin base colour. The wheels I've chosen are 16" x 7.5J Borbet R with 195/45 tyres
Showing as NLA since august 2019 for me unfortunately, heritage have some: https://www.heritagepartscentre.com/uk/N10141701-hex-collared-bolt-m10x25.html Or use normal M10x25 bolts with washers if necessary, 10.9 tensile
Make sure to take plenty of measurements before removing the axle plates as it can make refitting the axle tricky and throw the back end out of alignment
Well it has been more than a little chaotic here for various health reasons, employment and subsequent financial reasons, but let's not bore ourselves with the details. There are far worse things happening in the world! All that aside, I have finally made some time for the Golf, which has slept patiently in the garage. As previously promised, the brakes and rear bearings were completed. One rear caliper after some wire-wheeling. Assuming this is from the same bloodline as the Ford Galaxy? Original pipes refreshed with new clips and hoses. Reinstated, with EBC Ultimax pads. Back on it's feet after nearly two years! The axle stands were cheering. Next update will be moving towards the front subframe, as I have a lot of catching up to do and getting the car mobile again is now a priority.
Hi, i Wonder if your existing drum brake cables remained or you’ve changed the lot when you fitted the “new” rear axle with brake disc conversion ? I am in the process of doing the same, I have what I believe a mk3 rear axle with disc brakes and I am slowly going trough fixing the teething issues: I was missing handbrake cables, the rear brake lines are conked together, I am not sure the brake bias valve is mounted and corking properly and few more problems ! Nice to see yours coming along, I do like the color yours have, I would not want a harlequin paint job on mine as it’s too strident and attracts unwanted attention! Nice project, keep us updated please !
I had to replace the handbrake cables as they were different, the part number is 1H0609721E - Cable length 1613MM. Thanks! I'm sure these cars get plenty of attention, it's something i'll have to get used to
Thank you, tried the 1650mm brake cables and they were too short…had to go for the 1850mm hand brake cables and I modified them a little to get them to work…waiting for a pair of guide tubes but they are not available anymore so I have to go for used pair !
